HEAD OF STATE

04.07.12

Joyce Banda Named Malawi’s President

Amos Gumulira / AFP / Getty Images

Malawi’s Vice President Joyce Banda was sworn in as Malawi’s president Saturday after the death Thursday of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Banda has been vice president since 2009, despite efforts by Mutharika to have her removed from office after she became critical of his administration. Though Mutharika passed away Thursday, his death was not confirmed until Saturday, heightening fears of a coup. But Banda’s swearing in ensures an orderly transition of power. Banda formed the People's Party after being cast out of the powerful Democratic People’s Party in 2010. She is Malawi's first female president.